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Lab Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sicpa SA

QA Laboratory Technician

Springfield, VA

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Laboratory testing, data analysis, and ensure adherence to established standards, while supporting reliable lab operations. * Review, analyze, and interpret test data to ensure compliance with ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Evaluate and recommend Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and open-source technologies to improve lab capabilities, reliability, and operational efficiency. Lead technical planning and execution of lab ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Poolesville, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Computer Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Damascus, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Ashton, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Olney, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Fulton, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD

$112K - $154K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... lab environments accurately reflect operational system baselines and meet program requirements. The position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD facility supporting Air Traffic program labs which are ...

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All JobsLab Operations JobsLab Operations Jobs in Washington

Lab Operations information

See Washington salary details

$10

$28

$51

How much do lab operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations in Washington is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying laboratory job?

The highest paying laboratory jobs are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Principal Investigators, who oversee operations and research. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lab Operations, you need a solid background in laboratory techniques, quality control, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), instrumentation calibration, and regulatory standards like GLP or ISO is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure smooth workflow and collaboration within the lab. These competencies are crucial for maintaining accurate results, regulatory compliance, and efficient lab functioning.

What does a lab operator do?

A lab operator is responsible for managing laboratory equipment, preparing samples, following safety protocols, and recording data accurately. They often use tools like microscopes, pipettes, and lab information management systems (LIMS) to ensure proper testing and analysis. Attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures are essential in this role.

What do lab operations do?

Lab operations involve managing the daily functions of a laboratory, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, safety compliance, and process optimization. Professionals in this field ensure that laboratory activities run efficiently, accurately, and safely, often using tools like laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

What is the difference between Lab Operations vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab OperationsLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentInvolves overseeing lab workflows, managing staff, and ensuring complianceHands-on testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research labs, clinical labs, and industrial settings for management rolesCommon in clinical, medical, and industrial laboratories for technical tasks

Lab Operations professionals focus on managing laboratory workflows, staff, and compliance, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Laboratory Technicians perform hands-on testing and sample analysis, typically with an associate degree or certification. While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Lab Operations roles are more managerial and oversight-oriented, whereas Laboratory Technicians are more technical and operational.

What are Lab Operations?

Lab Operations refers to the processes, systems, and people responsible for ensuring that a laboratory runs smoothly and efficiently. This includes managing equipment, supplies, safety protocols, scheduling, and regulatory compliance. Those working in lab operations may coordinate experiments, maintain instruments, oversee inventory, and support researchers or scientists. The goal is to create a safe and organized environment that enables scientific work to be carried out effectively and in compliance with industry standards.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI can automate certain tasks in lab operations, such as data analysis and sample processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace lab technicians who perform hands-on experiments, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure safety. Human oversight remains essential for complex decision-making, quality control, and maintaining laboratory standards. Lab technicians will continue to adapt by working alongside AI tools and developing skills in digital and technical competencies.

What are some common challenges faced in lab operations roles, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in lab operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with safety regulations, managing inventory and equipment calibration, and ensuring smooth workflow coordination among team members. Staying organized and implementing standardized protocols can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, strong communication skills and regular training support efficient collaboration between scientists, technicians, and support staff, which is crucial for minimizing errors and maintaining a productive lab environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations jobs in Washington? For Lab Operations jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Lab Operations jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Lab Operations job openings:
Lab Operations jobs near you
Vice President, Esoteric Laboratory Operations - Chantilly, VA

Vice President, Esoteric Laboratory Operations - Chantilly, VA

Quest Diagnostics

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$228K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description


The Vice President, Esoteric Laboratory Operations - Chantilly, VA will have oversight for technical lab operations for units with approximately 1,000 employees. The successful candidate will be responsible through lab managers for the quality and timeliness of technical procedures, compliance, and the overall lab budget. The Executive Director will oversee testing menus that are beyond the routine, including Esoteric menus. The average number of accessions that are in this laboratory range from 45,000-55,000/day.
This position will be based onsite in Chantilly, VA.
Responsibilities
  • Provides industry leading diagnostic insights delivered in a reliable, timely, accurate, cost effective, and hassle-free manner, to enable better physician care, and provide patients with greater insight and understanding, through innovative operations from order entry to results delivery.
  • Partner with the commercial Vice President and business line leadership to deliver Commercial and business line goals.
  • Owner of key business pillars such as: Engagement / Quality / Delivery / Costs / Innovation.
  • Execute on service delivery commitments - testing, reporting and support.
  • Develop the strategic plan for the business, including a value proposition that will support revenue growth and increased customer loyalty; emphasis should be on service portfolio prioritization and optimization, determining where to invest, based on customer feedback, to maximize the profitable growth of the business.
  • Work closely with cross-functional leaders on critical business issues such as competitive positioning and competitive strategy; merger and acquisition activity; new business development; and other initiatives to drive increased revenue growth.
  • Increase operational effectiveness, discipline, productivity and bottom-line results, by implementing best-in-class processes and metrics while at the same time driving a culture of strong medical quality and service metrics.
  • Analyze operating results and their principal components relative to established objectives.
  • Ensure the soundness of the business' financial structure; take appropriate steps for corrective action as required; and communicate these steps and results to the executive team as appropriate.
  • Establish and communicate a clear vision for the business to customers, external partners, and employees, enhancing the company's credibility.
  • Drive a high-performing team culture, and foster an environment which stimulates open communication, creativity and imagination, and a team spirit to solving problems and identifying/capturing new business opportunities.

Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in a scientific or related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
  • Licensure as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is required. California CLS licensure is also required.
  • A minimum of 10 years of multi-site laboratory operations leadership and a proven record of success overseeing
    complex laboratory operations at scale, with responsibility for delivering against quality, turnaround time (TAT)
    and efficiency metrics.
  • Large-scale laboratory operations leadership: Proven success overseeing complex, distributed laboratory operations at scale, with responsibility for delivering against quality, turnaround time (TAT), and efficiency metrics.
  • Operational Excellence and Lean Transformation: Demonstrated expertise in leading process optimization, waste reduction, and efficiency improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies across end-to-end value streams.
  • P&L and Financial Ownership: Full accountability for large-scale operational budgets, including cost management, strategic investment decisions, and financial performance improvement.
  • Organizational Transition & Change Leadership: Led major site transitions, including consolidations, facility closures, greenfield/brownfield launches, or network reorganization, ensuring continuity and employee engagement.
  • Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Integration: Involvement in M&A due diligence, integration planning, and/or strategic partnerships with experience balancing technical, operational, and commercial considerations.
  • KPI-Driven Performance Management: Track record of delivering on key operational KPIs (e.g., TAT, accuracy, throughput, cost per test) with accountability mechanisms and continuous improvement frameworks.

Critical Capabilities for Success
  • Drives engagement - Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives
  • Strategic mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies
  • Cultivate innovation - Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful
  • Drives vision and purpose - Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action
  • Manages complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
  • Drives results - Achieves results, even under tough circumstances
  • Nimble learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning
  • Manages ambiguity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear
  • Resilience - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity in difficult situations

About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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